Gamecocks

SEC 2001 - SEC Preview

Holtz Aiming For An Even Better Year

August 24, 2001

South Carolina was one of the nation's biggest surprises last season, shocking almost everybody en route to an 8-4 record and a whipping of Ohio State in the Outback Bowl that played a role in the ouster of Buckeyes coach John Cooper.

But that was last season.

"You don't live in the past. You want to study history, but you don't live in the past," Gamecocks Coach Lou Holtz said. "One lady sent me a letter and a picture showing how she wrapped all her Christmas gifts in clippings from our season. But that's history."

The Gamecocks were able to sneak up on some foes last season, but that won't happen again. That means an offense that struggled at times must become more consistent. One problem is that there isn't a pure passer on campus.

Phil Petty is the starting quarterback, but he's limited. At least he'll have TB Derek Watson -- who has had numerous off-field problems -- behind him and a solid line in front of him.

South Carolina again should be tough on defense. Look for OLB/DE Kalimba Edwards to emerge as one of the SEC's best pass rushers.

"I think there's a chance we will be a better football team this year then we were last year," Holtz said. "But that doesn't mean we will have a successful season."